Upgrade the Slopes With the Year's Top Ski Tech

From exceedingly lightweight insulating layers to helmets designed with soft exteriors that actually flex (to absorb impact), to a combined combination ski-and-snowboard boot, you won't see more innovation this side of CES than here at the Snowsports Industry Association trade show. So while winter grows increasingly fickle, the gear for sliding down resorts is growing ever more clever and creative. Here's a look at several cool items we found walking around Denver this week.

Salomon Flexcell Protection Vest

Salomon Flexcell Protection Vest

Price: $149-$179

Why it's Cool: Because if there's one area where you'll see major innovations at a ski show, it's in protection. With the X-Games showing 15-year-olds how to launch huge air (and they're actually trying those tricks), protective tech must keep pace, so companies are borrowing from sports like motorcycling that have reputation for high risk.

The Flexcell was developed for kids and adults, and the idea is pretty simple: The Flexcell vest is meant to be worn over a base layer, and the foam is rigid from the exterior, allowing your spine to articulate easily. (Salomon's athletes wanted a spine protector that would still let them do backflips). While there are adaptive foams that “firm up” instantly, Salomon says they aren't quick enough to prevent the blunt force trauma that could cause spinal damage, which is why Flexcell armor always feels hard on the outside. Also smart: The company used no Velcro to secure the vest, because that material lints up over time and can slip.

Salomon STH2 WTR 13 Binding

Salomon STH2 WTR 13 Binding

Price: $275

Why it's Cool: Because boot technology is at last on a weight-loss binge, with a heavy emphasis on touring or backcountry skiing access. Unfortunately, those boots often are designed only to be worn with a backcountry binding, and that technology is rarely as focused on critical protection in the form of release. Salomon decided to design a new Walk-to-Ride (WTR) boot sole that could be used with either alpine ski bindings or with several types of alpine touring bindings, meant for the backcountry. The Quest Max BC ($699) is part of the line. The boots fit in new WTR bindings, which combine a proven front binding toe piece that will release in backward-fall scenarios, with a backcountry heel piece that’s considerably lighter than most alpine setups. The entire binding is lower than traditional “race” models, and increases the contact patch beneath the boot. Because “fatter” skis are the new norm, a wider base is necessary to aid in power transfer, especially on icy or mixed terrain.